DCCB Spring Equinox Newsletter 2023

For many years now, on the Raccoon River Valley Trail and the High Trestle Trail, we have implemented what is called the Trail Emergency Access System (TEAS). Recently I was made aware that some people do not know what these sign markers along the shoulder of our trails actually are or what they are supposed to accomplish.

If you have been around Dallas County for any amount of time, you may have heard the name William (Bill) Wagner. He was an architect by trade, with the majority of his time and effort invested in restoring historical buildings in Iowa. A few of his many accomplishments came by way of restoring Terrace Hill in Des Moines and designing a master plan for Living History Farms. Bill also played a significant role in the renovation of the Dallas County Courthouse. Forest Park Museum is home to many of his drawings, books and even the 1880’s scale house that he restored sits south of the main museum buildings. 

Bill lived just east of the Raccoon River where the Wagner Prairie is located...

In the Spring 2022 DCCB newsletter, we introduced the idea of the Mitakuye Oyasin - Forming Relations program series. To review, these program offerings are meant to be satellite programs in the year-round calendar that carry the spirit of the Prairie Awakening-Prairie Awoke (PAPAC) celebration beyond the fall event. They also are designed to be smaller in size so that the audience is afforded the opportunity to have a more direct, person-to-person experience with the Native presenters. The goal here is to form relationships, friendships, understandings.

Think reunion concert tour of your favorite rock and roll band. “We are getting the group together, bringing back the oldies, and we will rock the joint!” Well, kind of…

A number of years ago, DCCB sponsored a week-long paddle trek each summer called “Pass the Paddle”. The logistics of the program were to dip our paddles into the North, Middle and South Raccoon Rivers, from their entry point into Dallas County to their exits, over the course of a week. We would endeavor to paddle every inch of the three Raccoons as they grace our landscape. In the summer of 2023, we will once again be passing the paddle.

Like most small museums across the United States, Forest Park Museum has always displayed most of our artifact collection. Until 2011, the museum storage areas consisted of an old chicken coop, housing large artifacts and some architectural pieces, and a small storage room for textiles, art, and other small artifacts in Hastie Hall next to the main gallery.

With the arrival of the snow geese and other migrating birds, we welcome spring! If you are anything like me, you are ready to get out and enjoy nature. What better way to do so than at your local Kuehn Conservation Area?

At some point, you’ve probably heard the phrase “Can’t see the forest for the trees.” Interestingly, I learned while writing this article that I’ve been incorrectly hearing this phrase my entire life as “Can’t see the forest THROUGH the trees.” You learn something new every day.

The spring of 2023 marks an excellent time for all of us to refresh our knowledge and understanding of how to properly care for our deciduous shrubs. A lot of us already know that the best time to prune a deciduous tree is generally from February through March with an exception to oaks, which is from December through February. But what about pruning shrubs? When it comes to pruning, the often overlooked and misunderstood plants are the shrubs. If you would like to boost your shrubs ability to benefit wildlife and viewing pleasure, follow along with this quick overview of proper pruning times.

Spring usually means an excess of mud and mud is not everyone’s favorite thing. Whether it gets tracked inside, covers the car, or tries to steal your shoe, mud can be annoying. But what could we be missing out on by trying to maintain a perfectly clean persona?

I was replacing Barn Owl boxes in our parks when I heard a radio program discussing the benefits of awe. Not a typo: awe. The program host was interviewing Dacher Keltner, a professor of psychology at the University of California-Berkley. He has written a new book, Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life.  He was discussing the meaning, history, and health benefits of awe. As the discussion continued, I had an illuminating moment. This is why I bird. 

Many educational public programs to help you experience the wilds of Dallas County! Check them out today.